Get Help Now.
- Campus Crisis Resources:
- Campus Public Safety, Non-emergency & Emergency: 541.552.6911
- Dean of Students Office: 541.552.6652
- Student Health & Wellness Center Counseling Services: 541.552.6136
- SJEC for Gender and Sexuality: 541.552.7162
- SJEC for Racial Justice: 541.552.8791
- University Housing: 541.552.6371
- Ashland/National Crisis Resources:
- Police, Fire, Medical Emergency: 911
- Ashland Community Hospital Emergency Room 541.201.4000
- Jackson County Mental Health 541.774.8201 (24/7)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988 (24/7)
- Crisis Text Line 24/7: text 741741
- Trevor Project (LGBTQ+): 866.488.7386
The Truth About Suicide
If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, you are not alone – even though it may feel that way right now.
Feelings of helplessness, despair, loneliness, without hope of feeling better? Feelings of anger or rage? These are feelings often experienced by those thinking about suicide. Feelings, good or bad, do not last forever. There is a caring person to talk to right now and anytime of day by calling Jackson County Mental Health at 541.774.8201 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. You may also visit MySSP to speak to a mental health counselor 24/7.
No one is immune to feelings of being overwhelmed and hopelessness. College students of all ages and walks of life face multiple adjustments to changing circumstances such as academic pressures, relationships, finances, personal growth, professional challenges, career development, social connections, and life direction. It’s interesting that often intense emotional stress sometimes blinds people to alternative solutions to suicide…yet other solutions are almost always available. While some students see suicide as the solution to end all problems… suicide can also be understood as the problem to end all solutions. All too often, a completed suicide is a permanent solution to what might have been a temporary experience of feelings, perspective, and circumstances.
How to Help Someone At-Risk
If you hear statements such as “I wish I were dead”, or “Others would be better off without me” or direct threats to attempt suicide, take these statements seriously. Ask the person, “Are you thinking of killing yourself?”. The majority of people thinking of suicide find relief in being asked. Most often they are seeking relief from the incredible inner despair they feel rather than wanting to die.
If they answer yes, do not leave them alone. You can offer to take them to support services such as the SHWC, local ER, or to call for help right then. You can also call the resources above to consult and seek guidance.
The SHWC has more resources available to assist someone who is depressed or considering suicide. In-class seminar trainings and more involved gatekeeper trainings specific to suicide prevention are available through the SHWC.
Warning Signs, Term Definitions, & More
Warning Signs of Suicide
These signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. Risk is greater if a behavior is new or has increased and if seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.
- Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun.
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
- Talking about being a burden to others.
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
- Acting anxious, agitated, or behaving recklessly.
- Sleeping too little or too much.
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated.
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
- Displaying extreme mood swings.
Suicide Do‘s & Don’ts
DO call 911
DO call Campus Public Safety
DO remain calm
DO send for help
DO remain with the student until proper authorities arrive on the scene
DO recognize the limitations of your authority
DO encourage the student to go to the SHWC or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline
DO file a Cares Note
DO NOT leave student alone
DO NOT share personal judgment or personal opinions
DO NOT try and counsel the student
DO NOT transport student in personal vehicle for safety and legal liability
Definition of Terms Related to Suicide
Suicide – Suicide is death from injury, poisoning, or suffocation where there is evidence that a self-inflicted act led to the person’s death. Suicide is defined as the act of intentionally ending one’s own life.
Suicide ideation – Suicide ideation refers to thoughts of engaging in behavior intended to end one’s life.
Suicide plan – Suicide plan refers to the formulation of a specific method through which one intends to die.
Suicide attempt – Suicide attempt is a potentially self-injurious behavior with a nonfatal outcome, for which there is evidence that the person intended to kill himself or herself; a suicide attempt may or may not result in injuries. A suicide attempt should possess the following characteristics: (a) self-initiated, potentially injurious behavior; (b) presence of intent to die; and (c) nonfatal outcome.
Suicide survivor(s) – Suicide survivor(s) is defined as “the family members and friends who experience the suicide of a loved one”. A suicide survivor is someone who experiences a high level of self-perceived psychological, physical, and/or social distress for a considerable length of time after exposure to the suicide of another person.
Suicidal behavior – Suicidal behavior refers to a spectrum of activities related to thoughts and behaviors that include suicidal thinking, suicide attempts, and completed suicide.
Suicide Threat – A suicide threat is any interpersonal action, verbal or nonverbal, without a direct self-injurious component that a reasonable person would interpret as communicating or suggesting that suicidal behavior might occur in the near future.